Live: All Blacks vs Wallabies in the first Bledisloe Test match

Hello and welcome to tonight's live blog of the Bledisloe Cup match between the All Blacks and Australia in Sydney.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:21:00 AM

Go All Blacks

by Bill8/16/2014 9:24:41 AM

The Wallabies have improved since their 41-33 loss in Bledisloe III last year and fancy their chances against the All Blacks after winning their last seven tests on the trot.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:30:52 AM

But the All Blacks have a decent record of their own. What is it? Oh, just 17 wins in a row.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:31:34 AM

Alos, the Wallabies are winless in their last six tests against the world champions – an 18-all draw in October, 2012 is as close as they have been since their 25-20 victory in Brisbane back in 2011.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:32:25 AM

But they looked sharp against France and the selection of Kurtley Beale is a clear sign the Wallabies are prepared to chance their arm tonight.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:32:57 AM

The All Blacks showed some signs of vulnerability against England in June but they still won the series 3-0. A Wallabies victory is not impossible but the hosts will have to be at their best, and have luck on their side to win, while the All Blacks are the masters of finding a way to win.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:33:28 AM

what time is kick off

by jp8/16/2014 9:33:49 AM

Kick off is just over 30 minutes away and it's a wet old night in Sydney. Not quite sure who that favours?

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:34:38 AM

Anyway, I'm Steven Holloway and with the help of my trusty pal Nick Edlin, will bring you all the live action, colour, tweets and pics from tonight's match. To join in on the chat click 'comment' and have your say. Nick is standing by to answer any and all of your curly pre-match questions.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:36:02 AM

The Mighty All Blacks are awesome - Nothing like game day.. 27-19 AB's

by AB supporter8/16/2014 9:36:10 AM

Evening all. It May bhe a Close one tonight, but Go The AB's

by Richard8/16/2014 9:36:13 AM

Go the Ab's. Australia has the water works going already and the game hasnt started. Will be a tight game but ab's experience will pull them through

Team news:All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has sprung a surprise after leaving full-back Israel Dagg out of his 23 man squad. Dagg, the incumbent since 2011, missed the final two June Tests against England with a knee injury but Ben Smith will wear the 15 tonight. Outside-centre Conrad Smith will also miss out tonight after darting back to New Zealand on Friday morning to witness the birth of his child.

Highlanders sensation Malakai Fekitoa will start in Smith's absence. The rest of the squad is predictable. Aaron Cruden will start at flyhalf for Dan Carter (leg) and Wyatt Crockett replaces Tony Woodcock (shoulder) at loosehead.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:40:22 AM

Aussie:Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie has made six changes to his starting side. The selection of Kurtley Beale at flyhalf is the biggest shock. That forces Bernard Foley to the bench alongside outside centre Tevita Kuridrani, with Adam Ashley-Cooper shifting from wing to his preferred number 13 jumper. Pat McCabe and Rob Horne are the new wingers for Ashley-Cooper and Nick 'The Honey Badger' Cummins (Japanese rugby). Up front hooker Nathan Charles makes his first Test start for Tatafu Polota-Nau (knee) and lock Sam Carter starts ahead of benched Waratahs giant Will Skelton.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:41:25 AM

Looks like Kurtley's been practising. Photo / Getty Images

by Nick.Edlin8/16/2014 9:42:34 AM

"We recognise with the All Blacks you've got to go out there and have a crack. You need to take a few risks and get on with it so with the way we want to play the game having Kurtley at number 10 suits what we want to do," – Ewen McKenzie on Kurtley Beale's selection at flyhalf.

by Steven Holloway8/16/2014 9:43:36 AM

Its quite funny as i am watching the australian coverage of the build up and they are very confident. The ab's need to strike early to take the wind out of their sails

by queeNZlander8/16/2014 9:43:43 AM

Let's hope the ABs emulate Canterbury today.

by Gumby8/16/2014 9:46:11 AM

Good on ya queeNZlander you're on to it mate - Even if the Wallabies get away well can they sustain it - AB forwards to dominate this one..